Padmini Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of the bright lunar fortnight in the month of Adhika Masa (extra month). According to Hindu calendar some years have an extra month, i.e., thirteen month instead of twelve, based on the difference of days in solar and lunar calendar. It falls after every 32.5 months. Padmini Ekadashi mostly falls in the leaped Ashadha month (July-August), according to Hindu calendar, hence this day is also known as Ashadha Adhika Masa Ekadashi.

Legend

A king named Kartavirya lived with many of his queens but despite all the comforts and luxuries, he was not happy. He did not have a son from any of his wives and he was worried that after his death, no one will be there to carry out his name and take care of his kingdom. He was pious and a just king, he also had consulted every sage who made various kind of donations and performed various rituals but nothing helped him. He then decided to meditate and do penance and one of his wife named Padmini, followed him to the forests. Thousands of years passed in austerity but it did not prove fruitful.

Padmini got worried for her husband. She then consulted Anasuya (wife of sage AtriAtriAtri is one of the sons of Brahma (God of creation) who is believed to have born from...). She told her problem of not being able to bear a child. Anasuya told her that the reason of their unhappiness are the misdeeds conducted by her and her husband in the previous life. She then advised her to observe the fast of Ekadashi which falls in the AdhikaMasa. By keeping the fast with utmost dedication, all the sins committed will be purified.

Padmini observed the fast according to all the rituals explained to her by Anasuya. Lord VishnuVishnuVishnu is one of the Supreme Gods of Hindus and is a part of Hindu Trinity,.. was very pleased by her dedication and decided to offer her a boon. She rather asked Vishnu to fulfill the desire of her husband, i.e., to have a son that is all powerful and can only be killed by Vishnu himself. He should also be pious and God fearing and on the other hand he should be intellectual and praised in all the three worlds of earth, heaven and hell. Vishnu granted his wish and soon a son was born to him who was named Karthaveeryarjuna. The son was so powerful that he once even defeated Ravana (the King of Lanka) in a combat and put him in a jail, single handedly. Such was the power of this Ekadashi and because of the dedication of Padmini, this day was named after her.

The fast starts from the dusk of the tenth day of the month. One should only consume light food without onion, salt and garlic, once on the night of the tenth day. The food should not be consumed in the utensils of bronze. Food items like rice, pulses, green vegetables, non-vegetarian items and honey should be avoided. Devotees should then observe the fast for the complete night of Ekadashi. One should also remain vigil and sing prayers in the name of Vishnu or mediate. If one needs to sleep then it should be on the floor itself.